Kerala - Kozhikode   

Corporation launches drive against stray dogs

Staff Reporter

Special squad to function round the clock

Kozhikode: The Corporation has launched a massive operation to catch stray dogs in the city.

A special squad was formed on Tuesday in the wake of a dog, which showed signs of rabies, went on a biting spree in the city and the suburbs on Monday evening. Sixteen persons, including a three-year-old child, were bitten and were now being treated at the Kozhikode Medical College Hospital.

Mayor M. Bhaskaran said the special squad supervised by a junior health inspector would function round the clock within the Corporation limits. A special vehicle had been allotted to the team. Residents could contact the phone numbers (9446458579) of the special squad or corporation office (2365040) if street dogs were seen straying in their neighbourhood. An existing squad formed to catch stray dogs would also assist the new team. Earlier two persons had been employed on contract basis to catch the dogs, he said. Over 50 dogs were caught on Monday.

Assistance of the police was sought to shoot down the ferocious canine, which attacked 16 people, Mr. Bhaskaran said. He had contacted hospital superintendent V.R. Rajendran to take necessary steps for providing medicines to the victims. Rabies vaccines would be made available at the hospital if these were out of stock. The victims were residents of Velliparamba, Medical College, Chettikkadau, Kovoor, Palazhi and Chelavoor.

Last week two three-year-old girls were seriously injured when they were mauled by a stray dog on the outskirts of the city. One child suffered injuries on her nose, lips and cheeks. The other girl, at West Hill, was injured on her face and shoulder. They had to be admitted to the plastic surgery ward and the Intensive Care Unit of the hospital.

Residents frightened

Residents have panicked after the incident on Monday. Most of them said that they were afraid to send their children out, even to play. "We have been complaining to the Corporation for a long time. But no effective action has been taken," said B. Rajalakshmi residing at Chungam.

They also said that the dumping of waste from hotels in huge quantities was attracting the stray dogs. Residents littering household garbage on the streets were another reason cited for stray dogs moving in packs in localities.

There were also complaints that even dogs kept at homes were running loose and attacking children.

Two years ago the Corporation had launched a drive to catch street dogs to put an end to the menace of biting canines in the city. Owners of dogs had then been asked to register their dogs with the Corporation office after remitting a fee of Rs.5. But it was not made mandatory.

"Now we have an idea to enforce the rule to solve the vexing problem of stray dogs," Mr. Bhaskaran said.

All canines registered with the Corporation would be given a collar displaying a number to identity the owner. One of the proposals was also to penalise owners if the dogs were found wandering on the streets. Dogs should be kept at kennels at home and they should not be allowed to roam on the streets, he said.

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